Small bowel obstruction due to pepper ingestion: A paediatric case report

Abstract Small bowel obstruction (SBO) without a congenital aetiology is an urgent surgical condition in children. It can result from a variety of causes, including foreign body ingestion and food impaction. This report presents the case of an 11‐year‐old male patient who was admitted with SBO due to the ingestion of a pickled pepper, to discuss the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic management of this condition. The patient presented with abdominal distention, bilious vomiting, and progressive abdominal pain. His past medical history was unremarkable. Abdominal x‐ray and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed air‐fluid levels suggestive of SBO but were not diagnostic for the underlying aetiology. Surgical exploration identified an intraluminal obstructing lesion approximately 80 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. An enterotomy was performed, and a hot pickled pepper was extracted. The enterotomy site was primarily repaired. The patient was discharged uneventfully. SBO secondary to indigestible food material presents a significant diagnostic challenge and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for previously healthy patients presenting with intestinal obstruction. A careful and detailed history, including dietary intake, is critical for diagnosis. Surgical removal of the impacted material is an effective treatment option for children.